Planning a trip to Tibet in 2026? Understanding the latest permit requirements is one of the most important steps before booking your journey. Unlike other destinations in China, Tibet has special entry regulations for foreign visitors, and several permits may be required depending on where you plan to travel.
This updated guide explains the Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit), the Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB Permit), and other documents you may need for destinations such as Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Shigatse, Nyingchi, and Ngari.
Whether you’re visiting Tibet for cultural sightseeing, trekking, photography, or pilgrimage, here’s everything you need to know.
Tibet Travel Permit Requirements for Foreign Visitors (2026)
All foreign passport holders must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) before entering the Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang).
This permit is mandatory regardless of whether you are visiting only Lhasa or traveling across Tibet to destinations like Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash.
Without an approved Tibet Travel Permit, foreign travelers cannot board flights or trains to Lhasa and cannot check into hotels within Tibet.
In addition, independent travel is not permitted. All international visitors must travel with a licensed Tibet travel agency, accompanied by a registered local guide and private vehicle or organized group tour.
What Is the Tibet Travel Permit?
The Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit, 入藏函) is the official authorization issued through the Tibet Tourism authorities that allows foreign travelers to enter Tibet.
Every foreign visitor must obtain this permit before arrival.
The Tibet Travel Permit is required for:
- Flying to Lhasa from any city in China
- Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa
- Entering Tibet from mainland China
- Hotel check-in throughout Tibet
- Passing airport and railway inspections
Important: Individual travelers cannot apply for this permit on their own. Your licensed Tibet travel agency must arrange the application after your tour is confirmed.
What Is the Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB Permit)?
The Aliens’ Travel Permit (外国人旅行证) is issued by the Tibet Public Security Bureau (PSB). Unlike the Tibet Travel Permit, this document is only required for certain restricted or remote regions.
Following policy changes introduced in June 2025, many of Tibet’s most popular tourist destinations no longer require this additional permit.
As a result, most first-time visitors only need the Tibet Travel Permit.
Areas That Only Require the Tibet Travel Permit
If your itinerary includes Tibet’s classic sightseeing destinations, only the Tibet Travel Permit is required.
These include:
Lhasa
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chengguan District (城关区) | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Chakpori Hill, Potala Palace Square | ✅ Required | Main tourist district of Lhasa |
| Damxung County (当雄县) | Namtso Lake, Tashi Dor Peninsula, Damshung Town | ✅ Required | One of Tibet’s most famous holy lakes |
| Duilongdeqing District (堆龙德庆区) | Tsurphu Monastery, Lhasa Zoo, Ethnic Unity Theme Park. Yangpachen Hotspring | ✅ Required | Western district of Lhasa |
| Dagzê District (达孜区) | Ganden Monastery, Drak Yerpa Monastery | ✅ Required | Home to one of the six great Gelug monasteries |
| Maizhokunggar County (墨竹工卡县) | Birthplace of Songtsen Gampo, Gazel Monastery, Drikung Monastery, Tildrom Hotspring | ✅ Required | Gateway toward Nyingchi |
| Qushui County (曲水县) | Yarlung Tsangpo River scenery, Tibetan countryside, Nyetang Dolma Lhakhang. | ✅ Required | Rural landscapes and local villages |
| Lhünzhub County (林周县) | Reting monastery, traditional Tibetan countryside, | ✅ Required | Less-visited cultural destination |
| Nyêmo County (尼木县) | Tibetan Incense Workshop, Traditional Tibetan Paper Making, Handicraft Villages | ✅ Required | Famous for traditional Tibetan handicrafts |
Shannan (Lhoka) Municipality – Tibet Travel Permit Requirements (2026)
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Border Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nedong District (乃东区) | Shannan city, Yumbulakang Palace, Gongpori, Trandruk Monastery, Yarlung Valley | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Historic center of Tibetan civilization |
| Samye County (桑耶镇 / 扎囊县) | Samye Monastery, Chimpu Meditation Caves | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery |
| Gonggar County (贡嘎县) | Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, Yarlung Tsangpo River, Gonggar Choede | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Main gateway to Tibet by air |
| Nagarzê County (浪卡子县) | Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Samding Monastery, | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | One of Tibet’s most popular scenic destinations |
| Lhüntse County (隆子县) | Lhüntse Dzong, Tibetan villages | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Traditional cultural region in southern Tibet |
| Cona County (错那市/县) | Cona Wetlands, Himalayan landscapes | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Border county; Border Permit required |
| Comai County (措美县) | Grasslands, alpine lakes | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | Currently closed to foreign tourists |
| Lhozhag County (洛扎县) | Lhozhag Valley, remote monasteries | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | Border county closed to foreign tourists |
| Sangri County (桑日县) | Sangri Monastery, Yarlung River | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Peaceful rural county |
Shigatse Municipality – Tibet Travel Permit Requirements (2026)
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Border Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samzhubzê District (桑珠孜区) | Tashilhunpo Monastery, Shigatse Dzong, Traditional Old Town | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Main tourist district and gateway to western Tibet |
| Gyantse County (江孜县) | Pelkor Chöde Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, Gyantse Dzong | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Historic town on the Friendship Highway |
| Lhatse County (拉孜县) | Lhatse Town, Himalayan landscapes | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Popular overnight stop en route to Everest |
| Tingri County (定日县) | Everest Base Camp (North Face), Rongbuk Monastery, Cho Oyu, Shelkar Dzong | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Border Permit required for all Everest region tours |
| Sakya County (萨迦县) | Sakya Monastery, Ancient Buddhist Library | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Birthplace of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism |
| Yadong County (亚东县) | Chomo Lhari (Jomolhari) views, Yadong Valley | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Border county near India and Bhutan |
| Gyirong County (吉隆县) | Gyirong Valley, Gyirong Port (China–Nepal Border), Paba Monastery | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Main overland border crossing between Tibet and Nepal |
| Nyalam County (聂拉木县) | Nyalam Town, Zhangmu Port, Himalayan scenery | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Historic overland route to Nepal |
Nyingchi Municipality – Tibet Travel Permit Requirements (2026)
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Border Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayi District (巴宜区) | Nyingchi city, Basum Tso, Gala Peach Blossom Village, Sejila Mountain Pass, Lulang Forest, Niyang River | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Main tourist hub and gateway to Nyingchi |
| Gongbo’gyamda County (工布江达县) | Basum Tso Scenic Area, Cuogao Village, Xincuo Lake | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Home to the famous Basum Tso National Scenic Area |
| Mainling County (米林市/县) | Yarlung Tsangpo, Namcha Barwa Viewpoint, Suosong Village, Nyingchi Mainling Airport | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Popular destination for viewing Mount Namcha Barwa |
| Bomi County (波密县) | Ranwu Lake, Midui Glacier, Guxiang Lake, Peach Blossom Valley | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | One of Tibet’s most beautiful natural destinations |
| Zayu County (察隅县) | Primitive forests, border valleys | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | Border county currently closed to foreign tourists |
| Medog County (墨脱县) | Medog National Nature Reserve, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (lower section) | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | Tibet’s most restricted county; closed to foreign visitors |
| Lang County (朗县) | Lhalu Wetland, Tibetan villages, Yarlung River scenery | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Less-visited cultural and nature destination |
For these destinations, travelers only need the Tibet Travel Permit, although some border regions may require additional permits, as explained below.
Areas That Require Both the Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit
Certain remote prefectures continue to have stricter access controls. If you plan to visit any of the following areas, you must carry both permits.
Ngari (Ali Prefecture)
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB) | Border Permit | Military Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gar (Shiquanhe) District (噶尔区) | Shiquanhe Town, Ali Observatory, Ngari Musuem | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Administrative center of Ngari |
| Burang (Purang) County (普兰县) | Mount Kailash Kora, Lake Manasarovar, Taklakot (Purang Town), Nepal Border | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Border to Nepal and India, Kailash pilgrims |
| Zanda County (札达县) | Guge Kingdom Ruins, Tholing Monastery, Zanda Earth Forest | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Famous historical and geological attractions |
| Rutog County (日土县) | Pangong Tso (Chinese side), Rutog Grasslands | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required, Can’t go there in 2026. | Border county near India |
| Gêrzê County (革吉县) | Tibetan Plateau scenery, wildlife | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Remote western Tibet |
| Coqên County (措勤县) | Zhari Namco Lake, Changtang Nature Reserve | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Remote wilderness area |
Travel to Ngari also requires additional border and military permits.
Remote Areas of Nagqu
Only certain eastern parts of Nagqu are open without extra restrictions.
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB) | Border Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seni District (色尼区) | Nagqu Town, Nagqu Grasslands, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | ❌ Not Required | Administrative center and main tourist area |
| Biru County (比如县) | Skeleton Wall Monastery (Skelton Wall), Sacred valleys | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | ❌ Not Required | Cultural and religious attractions |
| Nyainrong County (聂荣县) | Changtang grasslands, wildlife | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | ❌ Not Required | Less-visited natural destination |
| Xainza County (申扎县) | Siling Co (Selin Tso), Black-necked Cranes, Changtang Nature Reserve | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Restricted area requiring an Aliens’ Travel Permit |
| Nyima County (尼玛县) | Changtang National Nature Reserve, salt lakes | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | — | Closed due to conservation and border regulations |
| Shuanghu County (双湖县) | Hoh Xil Plateau, Tibetan antelope habitat | ❌ Closed to Foreign Travelers | — | — | Closed to foreign visitors |
| Baingoin County (班戈县) | Nam Tso northern grasslands, alpine lakes | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Restricted county requiring an Aliens’ Travel Permit |
Qamdo (Chamdo)
Travel throughout Qamdo Prefecture requires the Aliens’ Travel Permit.
| Administrative Area | Major Attractions | Tibet Travel Permit | Aliens’ Travel Permit (PSB) | Border Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karub District (卡若区) | Galden Jampaling Monastery, Chamdo Old Town, Lancang (Mekong) River | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Administrative center of Chamdo |
| Jomda County (江达县) | Dengdeng Monastery, Upper Jinsha River, Khampa villages | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Rich Khampa Tibetan culture |
| Gonjo County (贡觉县) | Traditional Tibetan villages, river valleys | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Less-visited cultural destination |
| Baxoi County (八宿县) | Ranwu Lake, Laigu Glacier, G318 Scenic Highway | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Gateway between Chamdo and Nyingchi |
| Zogang County (左贡县) | Dongda Mountain Pass, Nujiang Valley | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Popular stop on the Sichuan–Tibet Highway |
| Markam County (芒康县) | Yanjing Salt Wells, Catholic Church of Yanjing | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Border with Yunnan Province |
| Lhorong County (洛隆县) | Remote monasteries, alpine grasslands | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Off-the-beaten-path destination |
| Palbar County (边坝县) | Sanse Lakes, primitive forests | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Known for beautiful natural scenery |
| Dêngqên County (丁青县) | Dzogchen Monastery, sacred mountains | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Important center of the Nyingma School |
| Riwoqê County (类乌齐县) | Riwoqê Monastery, Tibetan villages | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Traditional Khampa Tibetan region |
Permit Requirements by Popular Tibet Itinerary
| Tibet Itinerary | Tibet Travel Permit | Aliens’ Travel Permit | Border Permit | Military Permit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa + Yamdrok Lake + Everest Base Camp | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | Border Permit is required for Everest Base Camp. |
| Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar Tour (Ngari) | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Requires the highest number of travel permits due to border and military restrictions. |
| Chamdo (Qamdo) Tour | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Not Required | ❌ Not Required | Aliens’ Travel Permit is required throughout Chamdo Municipality. |
| Western Nagqu Tour | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | Depends on Itinerary | Depends on Itinerary | Some remote western counties may require additional approvals based on the travel route. |
Quick Summary
- Western Nagqu: Tibet Travel Permit + Aliens’ Travel Permit, with additional permits required for certain remote or restricted areas.
- Classic Tibet Tour (Lhasa + Everest Base Camp): Tibet Travel Permit + Border Permit.
- Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar: Tibet Travel Permit + Aliens’ Travel Permit + Border Permit + Military Permit.
- Chamdo (Qamdo): Tibet Travel Permit + Aliens’ Travel Permit.
Important Travel Regulations
Before planning your Tibet trip, keep these important rules in mind:
- Foreign travelers cannot apply for Tibet permits independently. Applications must be submitted through a licensed Tibet travel agency.
- Your approved itinerary is fixed. The destinations listed on your Tibet Travel Permit cannot be changed freely after approval.
- Independent travel in Tibet is not allowed. A registered guide and organized itinerary are required throughout your visit.
- Journalists, diplomats, government officials, and certain other categories of travelers must apply through separate official channels and cannot use standard tourist permits.
- Travelers from Hong Kong and Macau generally do not need a Tibet Travel Permit, although a Border Permit may still be required when visiting Everest Base Camp, Ngari, or other restricted border areas.
Quick Permit Checklist
| Destination | Tibet Travel Permit | Aliens’ Travel Permit | Border Permit | Military Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lhasa | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Yamdrok Lake | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Shigatse | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Everest Base Camp | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Nyingchi (Open Areas) | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mount Kailash | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lake Manasarovar | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ngari | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Qamdo | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Western Nagqu | ✅ | ✅ | Possible | Possible |
Final Thoughts
Understanding Tibet’s permit system is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Fortunately, most visitors exploring Lhasa, Shigatse, Yamdrok Lake, Nyingchi, and Everest Base Camp now only need the Tibet Travel Permit, thanks to recent policy updates.
If your adventure takes you to Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Ngari, or other remote regions, additional permits—including the Aliens’ Travel Permit, Border Permit, and Military Permit—will be required.
The easiest way to avoid delays is to book your trip with an experienced, licensed Tibet travel agency that will handle every permit on your behalf, ensuring you can focus on experiencing Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture.
